World famous basketball showmen Harlem Globetrotters hosted clinics in the San Diego area, including one in East County. Stars of the team conducted two hour-long workouts aimed at teaching kids between the ages of 6-12 the fundaments of basketball, while also adding a bit of Globetrotter flare and excitement.

These were part of the Globetrotters 471 Summer Clinics in 19 markets across the U.S., including three in San Diego area 24 Hour Fitness locations. On Saturday, June 28, they hosted three total at the 24 Hour Fitness Sport in Santee.

Two current Globetrotter stars ran the camp, the sweet dribbling Handles (Franklin), and the towering Hammer (Harrison). The first hour was primarily focused on the fundaments of basketball with simple and interactive dribbling, passing, and shooting drills. Both Handles and Hammer offered comprehensive one on one instruction. They even demonstrated the basketball artistry that made the Globetrotters famous for 88 years, such as punch and kick passes, and trick shots of all sorts.

This was what made the clinics unique. The Globetrotters who ran the clinic incorporated the famous sense of humor into basketball. Handles at one point dared all of the kids to try and steal the ball from him as he dribbled on his knees. For nearly two minutes, the kids ran around trying desperately to steal the ball while Handles ducked and weaved. Other drills involved the kids running around the gym with comically oversized jerseys and shoes.

Yvonne of Santee is a member of the 24 Hour Fitness hosting and saw a flier for the clinic and decided to sign up her grandson Jason, 6, for the clinic. She was “impressed” with how they were with the kids. Jason commented that he had a great time and learned a lot.

At the end of the two-hour session, the kids were sat down at half court, where Handles delivered a memorable speech about values in which they could carry with them outside the court. Each participant was given a certificate for participation, and an official Globetrotter nickname.

Handles, who is going into his 8thseason with the Globetrotters, tried to “teach the basics”, but also give “a positive message.” He preached the CHEER—cooperation, healthy mind and body, effort, enthusiasm, and responsibility and even ended with an anti-bullying message to try and get the kids to “stop that with us.”